Collective embroidery as a tool for expressing struggle and resistance

Themenfeld: Gender Equality

Co-financing

Human Rights & Civ. Soc.

Climate Action

problem & solution

In the Brazilian Amazon it is often difficult for women to organise and carve out spaces for themselves, as patriarchal structures impede them to participate in community and decision-making spaces. This would be particularly important in view of the dramatic increase in violence and the damage inflicted by dams, mines, plantations and climate disasters, as women bear the brunt of the burden.

MAB searched for methodologies that could address this issue and learnt about the embroidery technique called arpilleras. Used as a tool for political expression, cultural resistance, and social organisation, this technique allowed women to safely reflect, denounce violations, and build collective narratives that connect personal experiences to broader struggles for rights.

the experience

The project included four crucial aspects:

State-level encounters: MAB convened women leaders across regions to discuss climate change, their lived realities, and how to use arpilleras as a mobilisation and educational tool.
Local group mobilisation: Participants from state meetings returned to their territories and organised local gatherings to introduce arpilleras to more women.
Workshops and embroidery sessions: In these safe and participatory settings, women debated their realities and collectively decided what stories to stitch and how, fostering political dialogue and creative resistance.
Representation and visibility: Pieces were shown publicly, including a major exhibition at MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art), reaching a wider audience. Local groups selected delegates to represent them in exhibitions, speak about their struggles, and weave new connections.

Challenges

Patriarchal norms continued to restrict women’s participation in public spaces, especially in areas heavily impacted by resource extraction and land displacement.
The process of creating arpilleras required women to reflect on personal and community-level traumas, which could be emotionally taxing and required careful and sensitive facilitation.
Logistical limitations (transport, food, materials) often hindered full participation and continuity of group activities.

Impact

Increased participation of women in MAB’s political and productive activities, and increased confidence for collective organising, both within their local communities and in state-level women's collectives.
Recognition of women’s work, their specific struggles and actions nationally and internationally.
Discussions around arpilleras naturally incorporated reflections on how climate change affects women differently, fostering critical awareness and strengthening the connection between environmental justice and gender equality.

Lessons Learned

Activities designed exclusively for women created safer, more open spaces for self-expression and organising.
Plan the whole process with the women from the beginning so they have a vision of the importance of the work they will be doing and how their message can reach many people through the pieces.
Material and financial support (transport, food, stitching materials) is essential to secure participation.